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Council grants 40‑year gas easement to Columbia Gas to serve new courthouse; ordinance adopted
Summary
Council adopted a franchise ordinance granting Columbia Gas an easement across city property at 2040 West Beverly Street to serve the proposed juvenile and domestic relations courthouse; council followed a required franchise bidding process and approved the single bidder.
City Attorney John Blair explained to Staunton City Council on May 8 that state constitutional and statutory provisions require a municipal franchise process to grant private utilities rights to use public property. The council adopted a franchise ordinance granting Columbia Gas of Virginia, Inc. a 40‑year easement across city property at 2040 West Beverly Street to bring natural gas service to a proposed juvenile and domestic relations courthouse.
Blair said the Virginia Constitution was amended in 1902 to curtail certain conveyances and that state law therefore requires a franchise process before a locality can grant rights in public streets or property to private corporations. He noted municipalities may grant easements for up to 40 years. The mayor opened a public bidding period; Columbia Gas was the only bid received. Councilor Woods moved adoption of the franchise ordinance; the council approved the ordinance by roll call (Campbell Aye; Woods Aye; Overholtzer Aye; Park Aye; Vice Mayor Arrowood Aye; Mayor Edwards Aye). The motion also authorized the city manager to sign a right‑of‑way agreement in final form as approved by the city attorney.
